What is a Watershed?A watershed also called a catchment basin, is a region drained by a stream, lake or other body of water. It is a basin-shaped area in which all water or precipitation, sediments and other materials will flow to the same outlet. Watersheds are natural systems that link the land, water and living organisms, including people within its boundaries. How we live on the land affect the quality and quantity of water within the watershed. Watersheds provide water for drinking, irrigation and streams. Many people enjoy the streams and rivers for their beauty and for recreational purposes. However, healthy watersheds also provide food and shelter for wildlife.

What is Watershed Management

Watershed Management is a process of integrated decision-making regarding issues and modifications of lands and waters within a watershed. It is promoting planned changes to the watersheds drainage so as to maintain the land, vegetation and water within the catchment basin. It basically ensures the conservation of all the resources in the area and assures that everyone benefits without adversely affecting each other. In Trinidad and Tobago, watershed management is presently a coordinated effort amongst a number of ministries and agencies. The Forestry Division, Environmental Management Authority, Water Resources Agency and Water and Sewerage Authority play key roles in the management of the countrys watersheds.

Deforestation

Quarrying

Watershed management system at the Arena Reservoir maintains river levels in the Caroni river during the dry season.

One of the most critical watersheds in Trinidad and Tobago is the Caroni Basin, which serves as a source of approximately 30% of the countrys potable water supply.